I used to assume that the basic principles of U.S. democracy –however unequally and poorly applied– were firmly in place and would remain so, and would see us through this current nightmare. But I don’t believe that anymore. When I read this poem the other day I literally jumped up and cheered, even though I was the only one in the house. The one thing I’d change about it (not that I’d change anything about June Jordan’s poetry, ever) would be to swap out “minorities” in the title for “citizens.” We are not beholden to our elected employees. They are beholden to us. This is our government. Poem of the Week, by the magnificent June Jordan.
Calling on All Silent Minorities, by June Jordan
HEY
C’MON
COME OUT
WHEREVER YOU ARE
WE NEED TO HAVE THIS MEETING
AT THIS TREE
AIN’ EVEN BEEN
PLANTED
YET
For more information on June Jordan, please click here.
Alison McGhee 